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Covering Red Hair Dye With Brown: Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

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how to cover red hair dye with brownReady to revamp your red-hot ‘do? With the right shade of brown and a few simple steps, you can easily cover your crimson locks with a deep, chocolatey hue. But before you start dyeing away, it’s essential to understand the process of covering red hair dye with brown.

From assessing damage and prepping for application to fading existing color and maintaining long-lasting results, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to transforming tresses from ruby tones into rich brunette shades!

So if you’re ready for some serious style switch ups, read on below as we walk through our step-by-step guide on how best to go about changing up that fiery look.

Key Takeaways

  • Assess your current hair and consider your skin tone to determine the most flattering brown shade.
  • Choose a brown hair dye that complements your skin tone and take into account the red undertones you want in the new brown shade.
  • Ensure your hair is in good condition for dyeing by examining its health and using a deep conditioning treatment before dyeing.
  • Follow the steps for mixing and applying the brown dye, rinse your hair thoroughly, and use conditioner to maintain hair health.

Choosing the Right Shade of Brown Hair Dye

Choosing the Right Shade of Brown Hair Dye
When transitioning from red to brown hair, choosing the right shade of brown dye is key. With a wide range of shades available, from ash blonde to jet black, there are plenty of options for selecting your perfect color and covering up any existing red tones.

Considering Your Current Red Hair Shade

To determine the best shade of brown to transition from redhead to brunette, consider the intensity and hue of your current hair color. Start by assessing how dark or light your existing red is, then decide on what tones you’d like in a new brown shade.

Think about skin compatibility for a flattering result too; warm shades may appear more coppery due to underlying pigments, while cool hues can neutralize any remaining warmth.

Deciding on Red Tones in Brown

When picking a brown hair dye to cover your red locks, it’s important to consider which underlying tones of red you want in the new shade. Interestingly, studies have found that up to 90% of people with natural black or brown hair also contain some amount of warm-toned red pigmentation beneath the surface.

To prevent any hints of reddishness coming through after coloring, opt for a cool-toned ash-based color rather than warmer shades such as chestnut and mahogany. Your skin tone should be taken into account when selecting a color. If you are fair-skinned, try neutralizing remaining pigment with green-based dyes, while darker complexions can take on more intense colors without worry.

Use these tips about deciding on red tones in brown hair dye to ensure your results are just what you want!

Considering Your Skin Tone

Considering your skin tone is essential when selecting the right shade of brown hair dye, as it can make a big difference in how the color looks on you. Hair color harmony relies heavily on complexion compatibility and finding an undertone matching your natural red hair hue.

The key to success lies in choosing colors from a palette that will work well with your complexion and create balance between warm/cool tones or brighten dull areas for maximum impact. For those with fair complexions, consider shades such as light golden browns to complement their yellowish undertones; while darker skins may look better wearing cooler hues like milk chocolate or ash-toned dyes closer to black than blonde.

With careful consideration of these factors before dyeing away, you’ll end up looking beautiful no matter what!

Preparing Your Hair for Dyeing

Preparing Your Hair for Dyeing
Before you start the dyeing process to cover your red hair with brown, it’s important to assess and prepare your hair. Take a look at any damage that has been done previously and provide some deep conditioning treatment for added protection.

Finally, coat each strand of hair with natural oils such as coconut or olive oil beforehand – this will help lock in color and prevent further damage from the dye.

Assessing the Damage and Health of Your Hair

Before you take the plunge into brunette hair, assess how much damage and health your current locks have. Determine if your hair is already bleached or colored, as this will determine whether a color remover needs to be used before starting the dyeing process.

Apply a deep hydration treatment with coconut oil or olive oil to prepare for the application of dye and protect from further damage.

If needed, use bleach or clarifying shampoo to lighten red pigments so that brown tones can show up clearly on previously dyed hair.

Deep Conditioning Treatment

Rejuvenate your hair with a deep conditioning treatment to ensure smooth, healthy, and vibrant color when dyeing.

Benefits of this nourishing technique include replenished moisture levels in the scalp, minimized breakage from chemical processing, softer strands for easy styling and detangling, and increased vibrancy of coloring or lightening services.

Hair care products like natural oils, leave-in conditioners, masks, or deep treatments provide essential nutrients that keep locks looking luscious post-dye job.

To maintain healthy hair after dyeing red hair brown, avoid frequent shampooing as it can strip away much-needed moisture.

Keep your new brunette shade lasting longer with these simple yet effective techniques to maintaining healthy hair!

Protecting Your Hair With Natural Oils

Before applying the dye, coat your hair in natural oils like coconut or olive oil to protect it from damage. Like a shield of armor for your strands, these nourishing oils help keep color vibrant and healthy-looking for longer.

Hair resilience increases with regular use of natural oils that are replete with vitamins and fatty acids.

Step-by-Step Dyeing Process

Step-by-Step Dyeing Process
Before you begin the process of covering red hair dye with brown, it’s important to gather all of the necessary materials and understand the steps involved. From mixing and applying your chosen shade of brown dye to rinsing out any excess color, followed by conditioning your hair afterwards, this step-by-step guide will ensure that you have a successful transition from redhead to brunette.

Gathering the Necessary Materials

Gather all the supplies you need to achieve your perfect brown shade, including hair dye, gloves, and a shower cap. Make sure the dye you select is compatible with your current hair color when covering red hair with brown.

Before coloring, take protective measures like applying petroleum jelly around the hairline and ears to avoid staining your skin or clothing. Don’t forget to gather tools such as an applicator brush or bowl, clips for sectioning off strands of hair, and towels.

It’s important to prioritize hair health, so use nourishing products that will help preserve its condition while mixing and applying the new hue on top of existing red tones. This can minimize damage caused by frequent dyeing and provide optimal coverage when trying to cover up unwanted pigment from previous dyes.

Mixing and Applying the Brown Dye

Mix the brown dye according to instructions, then apply it evenly throughout your hair for a natural-looking brunette hue. Make sure you mix the right consistency for optimal results – too thick or thin and it won’t spread properly.

Be mindful of timing factors; leave on longer if you want darker color or shorter if lighter is desired. When blending multiple colors, keep in mind that adding red will darken while green tones neutralize any existing red pigment in your hair.

Lastly, use ash dyes with hints of green to reduce warmth and counteract remaining red pigments resulting from covering up previously dyed locks!

Rinsing and Conditioning Your Hair

Now, rinse your hair until the water runs clear and gently apply a conditioner to replenish lost moisture. Studies show that up to 86% of people who dye their hair have experienced dryness in some capacity.

After rinsing out all of the excess color, use shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair to help maintain your new look.

Remember that if you’re aiming for lighter brown tones over red hues, using bleach may be necessary. However, this process is very damaging, so make sure you take extra precautions when caring for newly colored tresses.

The right aftercare routine can help ensure vibrant colors last longer and reduce fading, even when transforming from redhead to brunette!

How to Fade Red Hair Color

How to Fade Red Hair Color
If you’re ready to transition from red hair to brown, there are a few things you should know about fading your current color. From using a temporary dye remover or allowing the color to naturally fade over time, to more intensive methods like using bleach kits – these strategies can help you achieve the look of your desired brunette hue.

Temporary Red Hair Dye Removal Methods

If you’re looking to get rid of your temporary red hair dye, there are several methods available for fading the color.

  1. Color remover options like clarifying shampoos and DIY bleaching kits.
  2. Natural fading with a mask or vinegar rinse.
  3. Use a bleach kit to lighten the shade gradually without damaging your hair.
  4. Transition your hair color through toners or green-based dyes that neutralize red pigments on the color wheel.
  5. Touch up when needed with permanent or semi-permanent brown dye one level darker than your current shade for the best results!

With these tips in mind, you can confidently ease into a new hue while keeping your locks healthy and vibrant along the way!

Using a Hair Color Remover

You can gently fade away your red hair color with a hair color remover, allowing the brown hue to emerge and take shape like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. This is an effective tool for transitioning shades without using bleach or permanent dye.

The process of correcting colors provides challenges in achieving desired hues but can be done through proper product selection and knowledge of fading techniques.

Color correction takes time and patience as each shade requires different steps in order to achieve desired results; however, with practice, you’ll soon become an expert at transforming hues into desirable tones!

Allowing the Color to Naturally Fade

Embrace the process of allowing your red hair color to gradually fade away naturally and enjoy a beautiful brown hue.

Pigment neutralization is key for transitioning from red to brunette, so use products that are specially formulated for color-treated hair.

A deep conditioner once a week helps keep your locks looking vibrant and healthy throughout the transition period.

Be mindful of emotional considerations too; going from one unique look to another can be daunting but exciting at the same time!

With patience, proper care, and good product choices, you’ll soon find yourself with gorgeous brown tresses that will turn heads wherever you go!

Using a Hair Bleach Kit

Bleaching your hair is a surefire way to get rid of stubborn red pigments and prepare it for the perfect brunette shade. However, it’s important to be aware that bleaching can cause damage if not done carefully.

To ensure safety, it is recommended to use a professional-grade bleach kit with detailed instructions and precautions.

Here are the steps to follow when using a hair bleach kit:

  1. Start by mixing the bleach with conditioner or shampoo. This helps to minimize damage and keep your hair moisturized during the bleaching process.
  2. Apply the mixture onto damp hair evenly, making sure to cover all strands. It’s important to avoid applying the bleach directly to your scalp to prevent any potential irritation.
  3. Leave the bleach on for no more than 20 minutes. Leaving it on for too long can lead to excessive damage and breakage.
  4. After the recommended time, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.

If you’re looking to achieve a lighter brown shade and want to remove red tones from your hair without causing too much damage, consider using a color remover instead of bleach. Color removers are generally less damaging but still effective at removing unwanted tones.

Remember to always take necessary safety measures when working with any chemical products near the scalp area. It’s important to wear protective gloves to protect your hands from any potential irritation or damage.

By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely bleach your hair and achieve the desired brunette shade.

Achieving a Lighter Brown Color

Achieving a Lighter Brown Color
If you’re looking to switch from redhead to brunette, lightening your hair with bleach and applying the lighter brown dye is a great way to achieve this. You’ll need the right kind of bleach and dye for this transformation, as well as knowledge of how both products work together in order for it to be successful.

Lightening Your Hair With Bleach

If you’re looking to lighten your locks from red to brown, bleaching is the way to go! Start by choosing a bleach strength that works for your hair.

Apply the mixture evenly throughout all sections of dampened hair and let it sit for 10-20 minutes, depending on desired results. Rinse thoroughly afterwards, then condition well with color-specific products. This will help maintain vibrancy in both color and shine post-treatment.

Remember that proper aftercare is essential when using bleach, so avoid heat styling too often. Otherwise, you risk damaging already fragile strands even further! To ensure long-lasting results, apply deep conditioning masks weekly along with natural oils before dye application.

Applying the Lighter Brown Dye

Now that you’ve prepped your hair with bleach, it’s time to apply the lighter brown dye of your choice! Choose a shade slightly darker than your desired final result. Then, mix up the dye according to the manufacturer’s instructions and put on gloves before starting.

Apply the dye evenly throughout your hair, from root to tip, and leave it on for 20 minutes or until you achieve the desired color. Make sure not to wash it off too early, or you may risk red undertones showing through in certain lighting.

After rinsing out all the remaining residue, use deep conditioning treatments on the ends while your hair is still damp. Allow your hair to dry naturally for the best results. To avoid any unwanted red tones when transitioning from being a redhead to a brunette, opt for cool shades instead of warm ones.

Ash dyes can also help neutralize any remaining red tones if needed, but be careful not to overdo it.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to achieving perfect brown locks without worrying about any pesky pink peeking through later down the line.

Achieving a Darker Brown Color

Achieving a Darker Brown Color
If you’re looking to transition from redhead to brunette, it’s important to choose a dark brown shade and apply the dye correctly. Dark shades of brown are best for completely covering up any residual red tones in your hair.

Choosing a Dark Brown Shade

To transition from red to brunette, choose a deep brown shade that will counteract any residual warmth and neutralize the remaining red pigments.

  • Look for shades with hints of mahogany or chestnut to achieve that classic brunette look.
  • Opt for deeper shades such as espresso or dark chocolate to add dimension and further neutralize any lingering red pigment.
  • If your skin tone allows it, try out an ash brown shade. This can help create a cooler, more sophisticated look while still providing depth and richness in color.

Experimenting with different shades until you find one that complements both your complexion and desired hair style is essential when choosing a dark brown hue! With careful selection, you’ll be able to create beautiful brunettes by covering up all traces of unwanted reddish hues without compromising on hair health.

Applying the Dark Brown Dye

Once you’ve selected the perfect dark brown shade, it’s time to apply the dye and bring your brunette vision to life. To ensure an even color, start at your roots before working through the rest of your hair.

For best results, make sure to use a permanent or semi-permanent dye that won’t fade quickly. After applying the dye, rinse it off with cold water until there is no more trace of color left. This will help prevent any further fading from occurring down the line due to over washing or exposure to UV rays.

Once your hair is dry, check if you need another application. Sometimes, two applications are necessary for deep red tones, depending on how light or dark you want your new shade to be.

Lastly, always remember proper maintenance techniques, such as using products formulated specifically for colored hair and limiting heat styling.

Maintaining Your Brown Hair to Prevent Red Reappearance

Maintaining Your Brown Hair to Prevent Red Reappearance
Transitioning from red to brown hair can be an exciting journey, but maintaining your new color is essential. To keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy, minimize heat styling and add a weekly hydration treatment with coconut or olive oil to your routine.

Minimizing Heat Styling

Limit your heat styling to twice or three times a week, and let your locks flow freely on the other days like a river of brown.

  1. Opt for alternative methods of styling such as air-drying and braiding instead of heat tools.
  2. Protect hair from getting damaged with natural oils before applying dye.
  3. Incorporate a weekly hydration routine with deep conditioning masks to reduce breakage caused by frequent coloring treatments over time.

When you minimize using hot tools in favor of non-heat alternatives, not only will it help maintain healthy hair but also keep away any hint or traces of red from returning into your brunette shade!

Hydrating Your Hair With Weekly Treatments

Indulge your locks in a weekly deep conditioning treatment to keep them hydrated and healthy! Treating your hair with the nourishment it needs is key for preventing red dye from reappearing.

Start by shampooing, followed by applying a generous amount of conditioner or mask.

After rinsing, apply natural oils such as coconut oil or olive oil to seal in moisture and lock color vibrancy into place. Use heat protectants before using curlers, flat irons, or blow dryers so that you don’t damage the cuticle layer of your hair, which could cause breakage and fading of any applied color treatments.

Incorporate these tips into your routine now for an effortless transition from redhead to brunette that looks natural while also staying hydrated!

Conclusion

Like a chameleon changing its colors, transitioning from red to brown hair can be a daring yet rewarding journey. With the right shade and step-by-step dyeing process, you’ll be able to go from a redhead to a brunette in no time.

However, it’s important to assess the health of your hair and prepare it with deep conditioning treatments and natural oils before dyeing. Once you’ve chosen the right shade of brown, the dyeing process should be relatively easy.

To fade red hair color, you can opt for a hair dye remover, bleach, clarifying shampoo, or allow the color to naturally fade. For a lighter brown, use a bleach kit and apply the lighter brown dye after bleaching.

If you want to go darker, choose a dark brown shade or even an ash shade to counteract red pigments.

With the right care and maintenance, you can keep your brown hair looking vibrant and beautiful for weeks and months to come.

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.